Baltimore Housing Community Action Partnership assistance programs.

Many different resources are available from the Baltimore Community Action Partnership. While the focus may be on housing, other assistance may be food, Head Start, energy bill assistance and referrals to job training. Case managers and staff from the non-profit work with clients to help them overcome any type of financial hardship they may be facing.

Low income residents of Baltimore can call upon the community action agency for help. While resources are limited, the partnership will do its best to meet the needs of the poor, low income, and unemployed. Other resources may also be for seniors or the disabled in the Baltimore Maryland region.

Housing and energy bill programs

The partnership, working with OHEP, provides subsidies, or federal government initiated cash grants, to assist low-income residents with paying their heating, natural gas, cooling, and other utility bills. The Office of Home Energy Programs primary goal is to make energy costs more affordable for those that are struggling. OHEP and the Baltimore Housing Community Action Partnership also works closely with the EUSP Electric Universal Service Program as well as the Maryland Energy Assistance Program (MEAP).

Together these promote financial responsibility, conservation, and energy independence for those that are struggling and meet low income levels. Residents of the city can apply for the assistance program at any of the Community Action Centers in the city or the county. Income qualified customers may receive help paying current, ongoing, past, or delinquent electric bills.

Rental subsidies are offered. The main goal of the section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is to provide decent, safe, and affordable housing in the private market to low-income families, the elderly and the disabled. The program is funded by federal government grants and annual allotments.

The housing program assists mostly very low-income families in Baltimore. These families or individuals will need to apply for the rental assistance program and are placed on a very long waiting list. Based on specific needs, the program approves a respective amount of aid for them. It grants those that qualify a housing choice voucher to the family.

For those that are able to enroll, a housing voucher is provided to eligible clients who apply for the program. After receiving a rental voucher, eligible family needs to find a suitable housing unit or low income apartment where the owner agrees to have it leased under the program. The state will give the landlord a subsidy which will offset a portion of the tenants rent expense.

Weatherization Assistance Program is a resource that provides preventive maintenance services on houses of low-income families to prepare them for extreme weather conditions (in particular the winter) and the change of seasons. It greatly helps in helping with energy cost reduction and home safety. An example of the free weatherization services is furnace tune ups or maybe even replacement. To apply for the federal government sponsored program, please call (443) 984-1066.

Food and day care from Baltimore Housing

Summer Food Services Program (SFSP) is for children and students during their holidays or summer vacation. The Baltimore Housing community action agency runs this with local churches, non-profit organization, day camps and others to serve meals and food to children.

The USDA - U.S. Department of Agriculture funds the SFSP for children and teens through the Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE). As an extension of the National School Lunch Program, it guarantees eligible children their continued access to free and nutritious meals, including breakfast and lunch. Providing children with healthy, good nutrition should not stop during their summer vacations, so the program ensures that these children receive at least one nutritionally sound meal during that time.

The federal government funded Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides free meals all-year round for children in low-income areas to avoid malnutrition. This will also continue to prepare them for their daily physical activities.

Day and child care is part of the Baltimore City Child Care Academy. This service provides quality and affordable day care services to families residing in the city and maybe the county. The fees due from the parents depend on family income and income levels. Also note that Department of Social Services vouchers are also accepted. There are a few centers in the region.

The Baltimore Housing Child Care Program offers Head Start, infant and toddler care, pre-school, and school age care. To ensure optimal growth and support of every child served, the curriculums are designed as age-appropriate and cognitive-forming for proper child development. These are combined with other services and activities that address the overall well-being of children. All centers and staff are approved by the Maryland State Department of Education. Department of Social Services. Note that child care vouchers are also accepted

Children ages three months through one year may join this program at very affordable monthly, daily and even in some cases hourly rates. Every child is given the educational support they need as well as breakfast, lunch and a snack at no additional cost.

Employment and self-sufficiency

Case management and social services are part of the Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS). Baltimore Housing Community Action Agency Partnership helps families establish, maintain and achieve economic independence and self-sufficiency from this tool.

The program assists families in accessing the necessary public, state of Maryland and private resources to establish career goals, receive training, and secure meaningful employment. This is beneficial for FSS Program graduates. Another benefit is that monetary incentives in the form of low interest rate loans are given as an initial step towards homeownership. Many clients are Public and Housing Choice Voucher Program participants.

People Accessing Continued Employment, or PACE, offers employment opportunities for Baltimore Housing and very poor residents. Services include job skill trainings, direct placement, post-placement support, career counseling, and job retention. People who are newly employed and those who have been out of the workforce for extended periods are some examples of the clients for this program.

All low income and struggling residents of Baltimore Public Housing are eligible to join the program. It is highly beneficial as it aids the residents in finding employment. In addition to offering them with pre-employment assistance counseling, participants also receive retention services in order to help them keep their jobs and increase earnings.

For more details, or referrals, the Baltimore Housing Community Action Partnership location is at 4 S. Frederick Street. Call (410) 396-1977.